Gear Patrol

ForTiTude Fishing’s titanium spinning reel ($490) is stronger than the traditional aluminum and won’t rust or pit. This is especially vital in saltwater, where the elements attack gear like a piranha on a naive tourist’s leg. The solid titanium construction is also 30% lighter than aluminum. That means slinging your Rapala at the weed line all day won’t make you quite as stiff.

Tuna fishing — and farming — is a bitterly divisive topic. Food documentary blog The Perennial Plate and Intrepid Travel tackle the issue in a way most on either side of the argument can’t: peacefully. “The Farmer and The Bluefin” features the only fish farm in the world to spawn Bluefin Tuna, a species that is being decimated by overfishing, especially in Japan.

Taking a swim sounds nice this summer, but only if you’re a safe and willing participant. Patagonia River Crampons ($200) are the latest invention in “don’t tumble into fast-moving water” technology, and if you’re a serious fisherman they’re a worthy purchase. The crampons strap over your wading boots using a simple harness system and are…

Fly casting is an art form. To non-fishermen, it may look like flailing a bullwhip — but in reality developing an effective cast is a continuous struggle. The Orvis Practicaster ($39) is a silly-looking 4ft rig that’s been dutifully scaled down for practice casting in smaller spaces, including the great indoors. It can’t offer the…

Stand up paddle boarding or (SUP) is taking the aquatic sports world by storm and was even named one of the five hottest outdoor sports by the Outdoor Recreation Topline Report. Coincidentally, the same study found fishing to be the most popular outdoor activity for adults. Combining these two awesome and extremely popular pastimes was inevitable,…

In 1996, founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, changed the clothing industry with the move to organic cotton. The big dogs, such as Wal-Mart, are finally following suit. Now, 16 years later, Chouinard plans on once again changing an industry –- but this time, it’s the fishing industry. Salmon has been a hot topic of controversy,…

In a perfect world we’d spend every week playing snooker, fishing, drinking cocktails, reading children’s books, and eating a meal with mom. We’re allowed approximately two of these weeks in America. Make the most of them. It’s a big and complicated world. We’re at tips [at] gearpatrol.com if you think there’s something we should know…

Constructed from the same synthetic material found on whitewater rafts (vessels that deals with no shortage of nasty, wet conditions), the Korkers Chrome Fishing Wading Boot ($199+) can take on nearly any surface, thanks to a blend of clever features, including an interchangeable sole system called OmniTrax. Swap in the rubber sole for normal conditions,…

In the pantheon of male bonding experiences, few adventures have the provenance of a weekend fishing trip. This short film by the Swedish fishing site Frontsidefly, made during a trip to övre vindelälven in their native land, perfectly captures the magic of these outings, leaving all of us here at GP HQ itching for Fly…

Igloo’s Yukon series “cold locker” coolers ($330+) are a new breed of portable storage capable of keeping contents cool for up to fourteen days(!) on the road. Before your brain starts wandering to week long beer-a-thons on a deserted beach, be clear that these professional grade coolers were built with lengthy hunting & fishy trips…

You know that laid-back vibe that pervades among dive boat captains, fishing guides and surfers? It’s a sort of smug contentment that comes from being able to spend most days on, in or under the water in a warm climate. Well, that vibe is a little hard to emulate when you’re digging out from one…

In the ongoing list of visceral man-activities, trying your hand at shooting a fish underwater is certainly up there. But, with the thrill comes a fear, justifiably, of knocking out your front teeth due to lack of experience (I’ve seen it happen – not fun). If so, then Riffe has developed the perfect shooter for…

Anyone who has ever deep sea fished before can attest to the thrill and insane struggle of reeling in a whopper. With gallons of adrenaline surging through your blood stream though, one of the worst possible let downs in life is losing your foe out of sheer exhaustion or lack of strength. It’s in these…

For The Fly Fishing Elite And Not So Elite Sink, Line, and Your Hooked If you know anything about fly fishing (the best hobby you’ll ever take up), you’re aware that R.L. Winston rod’s are widely renowned as the best in the world. Their new series the Boron II-MX is no exception. Known for being…

How would you like to wake up and see this view everyday? How would you like knowing that you could play on this Nick Faldo designed golf course every day? How would you like knowing that living here also including horseback riding, skiing, hiking, hunting, fly-fishing, spas, pools, all arranged through concierge services? Better yet,…